When it comes to finding the best TV on the market, you’ll find plenty of options in the best 40 inch TV category. Of course, a little research will certainly make it easier. A 40-inch TV is a perfect choice if you’re looking to upgrade your screen size but don’t have the space or the desire for a really big model.
At this size, the best models are OLED and QLED TVs with smart functionality and support for 4K resolution and HDR, allowing you to enjoy a spectacular visual experience. If you want it to work with Amazon Alexa or Google home, you’ll find plenty of models with Amazon TV, Roku TV, or Android TV capabilities, too, along with voice control. A TV of this size should also have plenty of connection options so that you can hook up your game console and other peripherals. Keep reading to see what 40-inch TVs are, their pros and cons, how long they last, and other aspects. Keep reading to learn more about choosing the best 40-inch TV for yourself.
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True Score
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Price | |||
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| 1 |  |
| 93 | $1,399.00 $2,500 SAVE $1,101 | |
| 2 |  |
| 86 | $1,298.00 $1,300 SAVE $2 | |
| 3 |  | 85 | $299.99 | ||
| 4 |  |
| 84 | $1,047.99 $1,198 SAVE $150 | |
| 5 |  |
| 84 | ||
| 6 |  | 83 | $499.00 $528 SAVE $29 | ||
| 7 |  |
| 82 | $2,079.00 $1,500 SAVE $-579 |
Top 40-Inch TVs
- Read Full Review → : LG C2 OLED TVLG
LG C2 OLED TV
Best Computer Monitor
Overall, the LG C2 OLED TV is a good mid-range TV. While there are some uniformity and software concerns, it’s a top-notch choice if you desire outstanding visuals and immersive gaming, though other brands now offer OLED alternatives with more features.
True Score
939412Experts
3928kCustomers
Cosmic Wonder
SAVE $1,101$2,499.99$1,399.00Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent picture quality
The self-admissive OLED tech provides high-quality visuals and is most beneficial for gaming, but it’s also great for sports HDR content. It also offers a wide 99.36% color gamut, providing rich, vibrant displays.
- Infinite contrast ratio
Delivers deep, true black levels, specifically when viewing HDR content in dark rooms. When tested, the contrast ratio of Inf:1, which is right at the top of the OLED category.
- Effective motion handling
It has a hyper-fast control input and produces virtually no blurriness or tearing during fast-paced scenes, given its tested 2.4 ms input lag and 0.2 ms response time.
Both metrics rank among the top of the OLED TV category.
- Excellent refresh rates
Fast-paced gaming visuals are smooth, given its 120 Hz refresh rate and VRR.
- Wide viewing angles
Provides excellent visuals, even at off-angle viewing, as it boasts 70-degree viewing angles.
Reasons to Avoid
- Weak peak brightness in certain settings
The TV’s brightness works fine for typical viewing, but during very bright scenes, it can appear dimmed in brighter rooms, given it maxes out at 810 nits, which is slightly below average for the OLED category.
- Unimpressive bass performance
Especially at higher volumes, the TV does not produce proper bass levels to match the higher frequencies
- Remote controls can be oversensitive
- Alexa integration can be unreliable and frustrating
- WebOS interface has ads and clutter
Specifications
Backlight Type Direct Lit Display Type OLED HDMI Inputs 4 HDR Format Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG HomeKit Compatible Yes LED Panel Type OLED Max Resolution 3840 x 2160 Refresh Rate 120 Hz Screen size 42", 48", 55", 65", 77", 83" Smart Platform webOS Sync Technology AMD FreeSync, G-Sync VRR Yes All Specs
Test Results
Color Gamut % (DCI P3 xy) 98.326 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) 71.875 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) 71.875 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 uv) 76.26 Color Gamut % (sRGB) 100 Color Gamut % (Rec 709) 134.45 Color Gamut % (BT.2020) No Data Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB) 88.8 Color Gamut % (BT.709) No Data Contrast Ratio (x:1) No Data Brightness (nits) 340.62475 HDR Brightness (nits) 793.4 Input Lag (ms) 11.55285714 Response Time (ms) 2.4 Viewing Angle (Degrees) No Data Color Washout (Degrees) 65 Color Shift (Degrees) 27 Brightness Loss (Degrees) 70 Reflections (%) 1.5 Low-Freq Extension (Hz) 80 Freq Response StdDev @ 70db 2.29 Freq Response StdDev @ 80db 2.87 Weighted Total Harmonic Distortion @80db 0.083 All Specs
All Retailers
$1,399.00$2,500Save $1,101
Our Verdict
LG C2 OLED TV provides a nearly infinite contrast ratio of 1, perfect blacks, and no blooming or haloing, making it ideal for dark room viewing. And with an 820 cd/m² white luminance, it has impressive brightness and reflection handling to suit bright rooms and wide seating arrangements.
Gamers will appreciate the low input lag, a tested blazing 2.4 ms 100% response time, four HDMI 2.1 inputs, and 120Hz gaming capabilities, enhancing the gaming experience.
However, it has flaws. Some users may find the aggressive automatic brightness limiting feature distracting, experience uniformity issues at angles, and face a slight learning curve with the menu settings. The TV’s lack of support for certain high-resolution audio formats could be disappointing for audiophiles.
- Read Full Review → : Sony A90K OLED TVSony
Sony A90K OLED TV
Best OLED
The Sony A90K OLED TV boasts HDMI 2.1, deep blacks, excellent reflection diffusion, and a fast response time, making it excellent for those looking for small-sized TVs to use as a monitor. However, its lack of FreeSync can be a dealbreaker to gamers.
True Score
86857Experts
12494Customers
Absolutely FreshSAVE $2$1,299.99$1,298.00Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent picture quality
Ideal for TV shows, immersive movies, and casual gaming, this versatile TV boasts vibrant colors with its remarkable color gamut that covers 98.97% on DCI P3 xy. Watching dark scenes is outstanding, too, thanks to its perfect black uniformity (std. deviation of 0.286%).
- High contrast ratio
The TV delivers excellent accuracy for nighttime viewing due to its near-infinite tested contrast ratio, which is among the highest we’ve seen.
- Low-tested response time and input lag
Content appears ultra-smooth thanks to the fast measured 0.3 ms response time, and although the tested 17.5 ms (4K at 60 Hz) input lag is among the bottom third of our tested TVs, it’ll be sufficient for casual gamers.
- Fast refresh rate and VRR support
At 120 Hz, you’ll enjoy lag-free visuals for smooth gaming, and there is no screen tearing with VRR support.
- Wide viewing angles
Visuals remain consistent even when you move far from the center, with colors washing out at 58°, which is ideal for wide seating arrangements.
Reasons to Avoid
- Limited HDR peak brightness
Although the peak brightness reaches 626 nits, which is average compared to the other tested TVs, it frequently fluctuates from scene to scene and isn’t suitable for well-lit spaces.
Specifications
Backlight Type No Display Type OLED HDMI Inputs 4 HDR Format Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG HomeKit Compatible Yes LED Panel Type OLED Max Resolution 3840 x 2160 Refresh Rate 120 Hz Screen size 42", 48" Smart Platform Google TV Sync Technology No VRR Yes All Specs
Test Results
Color Gamut % (DCI P3 xy) 99.375 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) 73.54 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) 73.54 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 uv) 78.83 Color Gamut % (sRGB) No Data Color Gamut % (Rec 709) No Data Color Gamut % (BT.2020) 71.2 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB) No Data Color Gamut % (BT.709) No Data Contrast Ratio (x:1) No Data Brightness (nits) 238.8616 HDR Brightness (nits) 600 Input Lag (ms) 16.86666667 Response Time (ms) 3 Viewing Angle (Degrees) No Data Color Washout (Degrees) 58 Color Shift (Degrees) 31 Brightness Loss (Degrees) 61 Reflections (%) 1.8 Low-Freq Extension (Hz) 126.99 Freq Response StdDev @ 70db 4.02 Freq Response StdDev @ 80db 4.58 Weighted Total Harmonic Distortion @80db 0.14 All Specs
All Retailers
- $1,298.00$1,300Save $2
$1,299.99
Our Verdict
The Sony A90K OLED TV is a great option for those looking for a high-end TV to use as a bedroom TV or a desktop monitor, as it features a fairly high peak brightness which was tested at 682 nits.
It also has four HDMI ports, two of which support HDMI 2.1. And thanks to its OLED panel with an infinite tested contrast ratio, it can display perfectly deep blacks.
It also sports a semi-gloss matte panel for glare. It has a fast measured response time of 0.3 ms. If you are looking for an outdoor TV, check our SunBriteTV Veranda TV 3 4K Android review.
The Sony A90K OLED TV also boasts a superb upscaling chip for low-res content. But it doesn’t support AMD FreeSync or GSync.
Category Snapshot
TVs
- Total Brands/Products Tested
19 Brands, 163 Products
- Top 2 Brands
LG, Hisense
- Price Range (Budget-Premium)
$400-$2000
- Average True Score
70.76%
- Important Test Criteria
Brightness (cd/m2)
Contrast Ratio (1000:1) - Most Trusted Testers
- Top TV Experts
- Recommended Retailer
- Typical Warranty
1 year
- Covered by Insurance
Yes – AKKO
- Test Methodology
- Read Full Review → : Insignia NS 43D420NA20Insignia
Insignia NS 43D420NA20
With good viewing angles, rich color detail, and decent motion handling, the Insignia LED TV will satisfy casual TV watchers who won’t mind being unable to stream 4K or HDR content online.
True Score
85852Experts
8442Customers
Absolutely Fresh
$299.99Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Good color accuracy
- Great viewing angles
- Decent brightness
- Decent motion handling
Reasons to Avoid
- No support for 4K content
- Hazy black levels
- Can’t stream from the Internet
- Poor sound
- No support for HDR conten
Specifications
Backlight Type Direct Lit Display Type LED HDMI Inputs 3 HDR Format n/a HomeKit Compatible Yes LED Panel Type LED Max Resolution 1920 x 1080 Refresh Rate 60 Hz Screen size 43" Smart Platform n/a Sync Technology n/a VRR n/a All Specs
Test Results
Color Gamut % (DCI P3 xy) No Data Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) No Data Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) No Data Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 uv) No Data Color Gamut % (sRGB) No Data Color Gamut % (Rec 709) No Data Color Gamut % (BT.2020) No Data Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB) No Data Color Gamut % (BT.709) No Data Contrast Ratio (x:1) No Data Brightness (nits) No Data HDR Brightness (nits) No Data Input Lag (ms) No Data Response Time (ms) No Data Viewing Angle (Degrees) No Data Color Washout (Degrees) No Data Color Shift (Degrees) No Data Brightness Loss (Degrees) No Data Reflections (%) No Data Low-Freq Extension (Hz) No Data Freq Response StdDev @ 70db No Data Freq Response StdDev @ 80db No Data Weighted Total Harmonic Distortion @80db No Data All Specs
All Retailers
- $299.99
Our Verdict
This Insignia LED TV has enough features for casual TV watchers. It offers rich color detail, good viewing angles, and okay motion handling. But if you’re a movie enthusiast, you might not be satisfied with the lack of 4K support, no access to the Internet, inability to process HDR content, mediocre sound, and hazy black levels. Gamers should look elsewhere, as this TV doesn’t have HDMI 2.1 ports or VRR support. If you’re a PC user who just needs a screen for work, the Konka H3 Series is a better choice.
- Read Full Review → : Samsung QN90B Neo QLED TVSamsung
Samsung QN90B Neo QLED TV
Best Seniors
The Samsung QN90B Neo QLED TV impresses with stunning brightness, low input lag, and great gaming features, but it’s pricey and lacks Dolby Vision. It’s an excellent choice for cinematic visuals and gaming enthusiasts.
True Score
84879Experts
933kCustomers
Absolutely FreshSAVE $150$1,197.99$1,047.99Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Great picture quality
A peak brightness of 1000 cd/m2 places it in the top third of new 4K TVs and makes it one of the brightest models in its category, helping it stand out for viewing in brightly lit areas.
- Good contrast and local dimming
The QN90B’s local dimming provides a 73,455:1 contrast ratio for deep blacks. This is higher than most TVs in its category.
- Great motion handling for gaming and high-frame-rate content
Input lag is just 5.9 ms, meaning the QN90B is faster than ⅔ of the TVs in its class, and its 144 Hz refresh rate ties for the fastest refresh rate available in a mid-range 4K QLED TV.
- Relatively wide viewing angles
Picture quality remains essentially unchanged up to about 35 degrees off-center, which is better than average for its category, but a few competitors, particularly those with OLED screens, provide wider viewing angles.
Reasons to Avoid
- Lacks Dolby Vision support
Missing support for this popular home theater format may limit the TVs appeal for those looking to set up a new home cinema
- Some blooming around bright objects in otherwise dark scenes
Compared to true OLED TVs, this model’s local dimming allows more blooming or “halo effect” around highlights in dark scenes.
- Built-in speaker quality doesn’t match the picture quality
Home cinema users will likely find the built-in speakers inadequate, with their below-average fidelity, sound profile and bass output.
Specifications
Backlight Type Full-Array Display Type LED HDMI Inputs 4 HDR Format HDR10, HDR10+, HLG HomeKit Compatible Yes LED Panel Type Neo QLED Max Resolution 3840 x 2160 Refresh Rate 120 Hz Screen size 43", 50", 55", 65", 75", 85" Smart Platform Tizen Sync Technology AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, G-Sync VRR Yes All Specs
Test Results
Color Gamut % (DCI P3 xy) 93.37666667 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) 71.76 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) 71.76 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 uv) 79.68 Color Gamut % (sRGB) 97.4 Color Gamut % (Rec 709) 99.68 Color Gamut % (BT.2020) No Data Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB) 76.7 Color Gamut % (BT.709) No Data Contrast Ratio (x:1) 73455 Brightness (nits) 1301.3054 HDR Brightness (nits) 2163 Input Lag (ms) 10.306 Response Time (ms) 7.9 Viewing Angle (Degrees) No Data Color Washout (Degrees) 29 Color Shift (Degrees) 47 Brightness Loss (Degrees) 45 Reflections (%) 1.7 Low-Freq Extension (Hz) 95.14 Freq Response StdDev @ 70db 3.18 Freq Response StdDev @ 80db 3.45 Weighted Total Harmonic Distortion @80db 0.204 All Specs
All Retailers
- $1,047.99$1,198Save $150
Our Verdict
The QN90B offers great brightness, with over 1000 cd/m2 in real viewing. It produces vivid, tonally-balanced HDR scenes. Input options include 4 HDMI 2.1 ports. While it doesn’t match the image quality of OLED TVs, it works well in brightly-lit areas.
The TV’s local dimming provides a 73,455:1 contrast ratio for deep blacks, though some blooming and reflections crop up. Gamers will appreciate its low 5.9ms input lag and tested 144 Hz refresh rate, which reduces screen tearing.
Its downscaling capabilities, sleek remote, Tizen smart interface, and low input lag contribute to its appeal. Quality at wide viewing angles up to 35 degrees off-center is good but not as good as on an OLED TV.
If you can overlook the lack of Dolby Vision and the premium price tag, the QN90B is an excellent choice.
- Read Full Review → : LG C3 OLED TVLG
LG C3 OLED TV
Best Gaming
LG C3 OLED TV has great picture quality, near-infinite contrast ratio, and deep, inky blacks for an immersive experience. If you’re looking for a top-notch OLED experience, the C3 is excellent; otherwise, consider the more budget-friendly C2 model.
True Score
84858Experts
82kCustomers
Absolutely FreshSnapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent picture quality
The TV’s bright colors, deep blacks, and excellent reflection handling make it great for gaming, sports, and HDR content. The color gamut tests in at 99.51% color gamut, delivering stellar colors placing it at the top of the OLED category.
- The near-infinite contrast ratio for perfect blacks
Displays near-perfect deep black levels, especially in dark rooms, as it boasts an Inf: 1 contrast ratio, which ranks at the very top of the OLED category.
- Strong peak brightness
Delivers vibrant displays in brightly lit rooms, as the peak brightness tests at 815 nits, which is slightly above average for OLED TVs.
- High-performance motion handling
The TV processes near-immediate commands and handles fast-paced scene changes without blurriness, as tests show it has a 5.4 ms input lag and 0.2 ms response time, both outstanding for OLED TVs.
- Fast refresh rate
Images don’t tear during fast-paced scenes due to a 120 Hz refresh rate and VRR support.
Reasons to Avoid
- Aggressive automatic brightness limiter
ABL can be overactive in bright environments, which reduces image quality and is distracting
- Subpar sound quality
Fails to produce strong bass and has distortion when turned up to high volumes
Specifications
Backlight Type No Display Type OLED HDMI Inputs 4 HDR Format Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG HomeKit Compatible Yes LED Panel Type OLED EVO Max Resolution 3840 x 2160 Refresh Rate 120 Hz Screen size 42", 48", 55", 65", 75", 83" Smart Platform webOS Sync Technology AMD FreeSync Premium, G-Sync VRR Yes All Specs
Test Results
Color Gamut % (DCI P3 xy) 98.98 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) 73.28 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) 73.28 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 uv) 76.01 Color Gamut % (sRGB) No Data Color Gamut % (Rec 709) No Data Color Gamut % (BT.2020) 74.7 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB) No Data Color Gamut % (BT.709) No Data Contrast Ratio (x:1) No Data Brightness (nits) 404 HDR Brightness (nits) 847.5 Input Lag (ms) 9.566 Response Time (ms) 2.3 Viewing Angle (Degrees) No Data Color Washout (Degrees) 63 Color Shift (Degrees) 34 Brightness Loss (Degrees) 70 Reflections (%) 1.1 Low-Freq Extension (Hz) 80 Freq Response StdDev @ 70db 1.14 Freq Response StdDev @ 80db 1.98 Weighted Total Harmonic Distortion @80db 0.085 All Specs
All Retailers
Our Verdict
The LG C3 OLED TV has an excellent peak brightness of 474 cd/m² and exceptional reflection handling, suitable for bright rooms or areas with glare.
It also has an Inf. :1 contrast ratio and deep blacks ensure captivating viewing experiences for sports, movies, and gaming. The Gamers will love the low 5.4 ms input lag, offering instantaneous responses to their actions on-screen.
While it has aggressive ABL and potential burn-in concerns, they don’t overshadow the TV’s overall performance. LG’s webOS interface adds user-friendliness, and the support for DTS enhances the audio experience.
The four HDMI 2.1 bandwidth ports also cater to PC users. The superb tested response time of 0.2 ms is among the best in the OLED TV category.
- Read Full Review → : Samsung The FrameSamsung
Samsung The Frame
The Samsung 2021 Frame TV is great due to its exceptional response time, peak brightness, and contrast ratio. But the TV has very poor viewing angles, a reflective screen, and it inexplicably does not have local dimming.
True Score
83836Experts
86936Customers
Absolutely FreshSAVE $29$527.95$499.00Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent Response Time
- Fantastic Peak Brightness
- Great Contrast Ratio
- Fantastic Art Mode
Reasons to Avoid
- Slim Viewing Angles
- Reflective Screen
- Doesn’t Have Local Dimming
- Reds Can Look Pink on the DCI P3 Color Spectrum
Specifications
Backlight Type Edge Display Type LED HDMI Inputs 4 HDR Format HDR10, HDR10+, HLG LED Panel Type QLED Max Resolution 3840 x 2160 Refresh Rate 120 Hz Screen size 32", 43", 50", 55", 65", 75", 85" Smart Platform Tizen Sync Technology AMD FreeSync VRR Yes All Specs
Test Results
Color Gamut % (DCI P3 xy) 89.36 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) 66.2 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) 66.2 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 uv) 72.77 Color Gamut % (sRGB) No Data Color Gamut % (Rec 709) No Data Color Gamut % (BT.2020) No Data Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB) No Data Color Gamut % (BT.709) No Data Contrast Ratio (x:1) 8131 Brightness (nits) 501 HDR Brightness (nits) 700 Input Lag (ms) 10.5 Response Time (ms) 13.9 Viewing Angle (Degrees) No Data Color Washout (Degrees) 25 Color Shift (Degrees) 26 Brightness Loss (Degrees) 33 Reflections (%) 5.2 Low-Freq Extension (Hz) 67.27 Freq Response StdDev @ 70db 3.9 Freq Response StdDev @ 80db 5.49 Weighted Total Harmonic Distortion @80db 0.069 All Specs
All Retailers
- $499.00$528Save $29
Our Verdict
The Samsung The Frame is a great QLED 4k smart TV with a fast response time, bright peak brightness, and great contrast ratio. Plus, its Art Mode lets you show off your favorite artwork.
But, it has narrow viewing angles (with color washout at 27 degrees), a reflective screen, and pink-looking reds on the DCI P3 color spectrum. Unfortunately, it also doesn’t have local dimming.
- Read Full Review → : Samsung QN90C NEO QLED SeriesSamsung
Samsung QN90C NEO QLED Series
Best Bright Room
The premium and versatile Samsung QN90C Neo QLED shines for movies, sports, and video games with its lifelike colors, high brightness, contrast, and nighttime clarity. Its quick response time and low input lag enhance immersion, but the slightly narrow viewing angle limits party viewing.
True Score
82858Experts
48664Customers
Absolutely FreshSAVE $-579$1,499.99$2,079.00Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Superb picture quality
This TV is superb for HDR movies, shows, sports, and gaming. Its vibrant and lifelike colors stem from its wide color gamut, and dark-scene viewing is accurate because of the deep blacks and high black uniformity (0.199% std. deviation).
- High brightness and contrast
This TV is ideal for bright spaces with its impressive peak brightness of 1996 nits, among the highest we’ve tested, and it effectively handles reflections. Additionally, it offers superior nighttime viewing due to its exceptional contrast ratio of 83,200:1, also among the highest we’ve tested.
- Low-tested response time and input lag
Fast-moving videos and games are clear thanks to the 5.2 ms response time, and gaming is responsive with the 10 ms input lag, which ranks in the top third of our tested TVs.
- High refresh rate and VRR support
Visuals are smooth and stutter-free with a 120 Hz refresh rate, and there is no screen tearing because the VRR ranges from under 20 Hz to 120 Hz.
Reasons to Avoid
- Moderate viewing angle
The display is good for moderately wide seating, but since color washes out at 26°, moving a bit far from the center makes the colors appear faded.
- Mild blooming
There is noticeable blooming during dark sequences, but it is not particularly distracting.
Specifications
Backlight Type Full-Array Display Type QLED HDMI Inputs 4 HDR Format HDR10+, HLG LED Panel Type QLED Max Resolution 3840 x 2160 Refresh Rate 120 Hz Screen size 43", 50", 55", 65", 75", 85" Smart Platform Tizen VRR Yes All Specs
Test Results
Color Gamut % (DCI P3 xy) 93.335 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) 72.73 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) 72.73 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 uv) 75.69 Color Gamut % (sRGB) 98 Color Gamut % (Rec 709) 99.77 Color Gamut % (BT.2020) 73 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB) 79.1 Color Gamut % (BT.709) No Data Contrast Ratio (x:1) 83200 Brightness (nits) 1032.40595 HDR Brightness (nits) 1793.5 Input Lag (ms) 10 Response Time (ms) 10.2 Viewing Angle (Degrees) No Data Color Washout (Degrees) 26 Color Shift (Degrees) 51 Brightness Loss (Degrees) 32 Reflections (%) 1.5 Low-Freq Extension (Hz) 100.79 Freq Response StdDev @ 70db 1.61 Freq Response StdDev @ 80db 2.38 Weighted Total Harmonic Distortion @80db 0.334 All Specs
All Retailers
- $2,079.00$1,500Save $-579
- $2,197.99$2,998Save $800
- $2,199.99$2,600Save $400
Our Verdict
Beginner’s Guide to 40 Inch TVs
What is a 40 Inch TV?
A 40-inch TV is simply a television that’s 40 inches wide diagonally, comes with support for Full HD or 4K resolution, and may or may not have smart features or built-in internet functionality. A television of this size is perfect for comfortably viewing from 6 to 8 feet away, so it’s the perfect size for medium-sized living rooms since it won’t dominate your space. If you need to move it from room to room, 40-inch models won’t be too large for mobile television stands, either.
40 Inch TVs vs Other TVs
A 40-inch screen size TV is similar to other TVs in displaying images, but the primary difference is in terms of size. A TV of this size is going to be too big for small rooms like the kitchen or a dorm room — you’ll want something smaller for those spaces, like a 24 or 32-inch model. However, if you’re looking for TVs for a bedroom or den, you’ll want to compare 40-inch vs 55-inch TVs.
Due to the small size, you also will not find OLED TVs in 40 inches (Usually, these come as 50-inch TVs), as these units use either LCD, LED, or QLED technology with 1080p or 4K resolution. Larger televisions will generally have Full HD and 4K resolution, as well, with a few models sporting 8K.
Like other models, TVs in this size range also support HDR for great contrast and Dolby Vision. However, they still lack some of the more advanced features that you can find on larger televisions.
For a look at brands, check out the leading Hisense TVs and TCL TV comparison against other brands.
How a 40 Inch TV Works
A 40-inch TV works like any other TV — it converts electrical signals into pictures and sounds. If it’s a smart TV, it’ll have an integrated operating system that lets you access and use internet-based content. In this case, there won’t be a need to connect additional streaming devices, like the Amazon Fire Stick or Chromecast.
A smart TV connects to a Wi-Fi network, similar to how you connect to Wi-Fi with your laptop or smartphone. These models come loaded with applications for streaming content, and they also display apps the way they’re shown on your smartphone. For example, apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime are typically preloaded on smart TVs.
A dumb TV or non-smart TV comes without built-in internet functionality. But if it has the right connectivity options (HDMI and USB ports), it can be converted into a smart TV using a streaming stick, like the ones mentioned above. If budget is a concern, you may want to check out our guide on the best time of year to buy a new TV to save some money.
Why should you buy a 40 inch TV?
A 40-inch TV is neither too small nor too large, making it a great choice if you’re looking for an upgrade that won’t clutter your space and dominate it. It’s also perfect if you want to place the TV in a mid-sized living room. Let’s look at some more reasons why it’s worth buying and why you’ll want to avoid it.
Are 40 Inch TVs Worth Buying?
- You Want a Stunning Visual Experience. TV: Bigger TVs offer deeper immersion and a better overall viewing experience. If visuals are your priority, a 40-inch TV will be a good place to start.
- You Want Advanced Display Technology and 4K: A 40 inch TV can have advanced display technology, like QLED. Some also have support for 4K resolution and HDR.
Why a 40 Inch TV May Not Be for You
- You Want a Bigger TV: If you’ll be seated around 6 feet away from the TV, a 40 inch display will be fine. But if the distance is more than that or if you’ve got a bigger room, you’ll want to find the best 43-inch TV or something even bigger. While a 40-inch model may not be ideal for a home theater setup, it may be the perfect size for a great bedroom TV.
- You Don’t Have the Budget: The cost increases as you go up the size chart. If you’re on a tight budget, check out a smaller TV, like the best 32-inch TV for gaming.
How Long Will a 40 Inch TV Last?
How long a TV lasts depends on its quality, how much it’s used, how well it’s maintained, and most importantly, the display technology it uses.
An LCD TV offers around 50,000 to 60,000 hours of viewing. At 8 hours of viewing per day, it can last you close to two decades, but it’s likely to malfunction earlier due to other reasons.
LED TVs have a lifespan between 40,000 and 100,000 hours, but that’s at maximum or near-maximum brightness. Even with heavy use, these TVs will work well for at least 5 to 7 years, and over a decade with moderate or low usage. Beyond that period, you’ll likely notice a decrease in image quality.
OLED TVs are better performing than LED TVs, but the material used in the construction of these panels is organic, so they have a limited lifespan compared to the latter. After about 8 to 10 years of use at optimal settings, you’ll see a decrease in performance and image quality.
QLED TVs use quantum light-emitting diodes to greatly boost the colors and the brightness of images on the screen. Since it’s not based on organic materials, QLED doesn’t degrade over time. This means QLED TVs provide top-of-the-line image quality that lasts longer than most other display technology. At max settings, QLEDs should last from 7 to 10 years or longer without any degradation in visual quality.
QLED TVs are also guaranteed to be burn-in-free, so you can be sure that they’ll offer you the best viewing experience. Burn-in is when static images, like channel logos, are displayed for long periods and leave a permanent outline on the screen.
How to Choose the Best 40 Inch TV
Once you’ve decided to pick up the best 40-inch TV, you must consider several factors to narrow down your selection. Display technology, resolution, and price range are a few of these aspects. Let’s look at these and more below.
40 Inch TV Key Factors
1. What Display Technology Do You Want?
LCD, LED, OLED, and QLED are some of the different display technologies available on the market.
LCD stands for liquid crystal display, and standard LCD monitors use fluorescent tubes to produce light and brighten the picture. Although it costs less than LED, OLED, and QLEDs, the picture quality is relatively low.
LED (light-emitting diode) also uses a liquid crystal display, but instead of fluorescent tubes to produce lights, it relies on light-emitting diodes. This mechanism in LEDs leads to superior picture quality and sharper images than standard LCDs.
While LED and LCDs need backlights to produce brightness, OLED (organic light-emitting diode) displays need no backlight because they use a sheet of organic LEDs, and each OLED subpixel produces light. This results in deeper blacks, incredible image contrast, and the highest picture quality. Even when viewed from an angle, the visuals retain their quality and sharpness.
QLED (Quantum-dot LED) TVs have traditional LCD panels that are lit by LEDs. A quantum dot layer fills the space between the LCD panel and the backlight to create more saturated colors, but it’s not backlight-free like OLED displays. QLED displays are brighter than OLEDs and are the perfect choice for bright and sunny spaces. But in terms of picture quality and realism, OLEDs are typically better. There are no 40-inch OLED TVs in the market currently, but you’ll find 40 inch QLED TVs.
2. What’s the Resolution?
Resolution refers to the number of pixels that compose the image on the TV display — the higher the number of pixels, the better the quality and sharpness of the visuals.
At HD resolution, you have 921,600 pixels, and it doubles to 2 million with Full HD. But with 4K, you’re looking at a massive 8 million pixels. This is a colossal jump from Full HD images, and it means all the visuals will have incredible clarity despite the size of the display.
4K content has grown substantially over the years, and you’ll find plenty of 4K media on streaming apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. If you love watching films, you’ll want to get a TV that supports 4K resolution so that you can see all the visual elements the way they were intended to be seen. Not just that, even watching your own photos and videos on a 4K TV will feel significantly better.
Some larger TVs offer 8K support now, but there is virtually no 8K content to stream. You also generally won’t find an 8K TV smaller than 65 inches, with the rare model coming in at 55 inches.
3. What’s the Refresh Rate?
The refresh rate determines how many times per second a picture is refreshed on the screen. The standard refresh rate is 60 times per second, and it’s measured in Hertz (60 Hz).
A 60 Hz refresh rate is decent, but if a visual sequence has too many elements moving around swiftly, it can make everything look choppy or blurry. That’s why companies have created monitors and TVs with support for higher refresh rates, like 120 Hz and 240 Hz. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the visuals will look, especially when viewing action films or sports matches.
Gamers will majorly benefit from a TV with a higher refresh rate of 120 Hz because it smoothes out the visuals and ensures the players sees more frames per second. More frames per second provide an immense advantage while playing competitive FPS games.
4. Does It Have HDR?
HDR stands for high-dynamic range, and TVs that support this can capture and produce a wide range of colors. The highlights will also be brighter, the colors will pop, and there’ll be higher contrast so that the visuals look more natural and accurate. Without HDR, a TV can’t reproduce specific colors authentically; it’ll try to use substitute colors, but the result will look different from how the image was originally shot.
HDR is supported across LCD, LED, OLED, and QLED screens, but it’s only available on 4K displays.
5. Is It Smart or Dumb?
Smart TVs have become quite common on the market. The built-in internet functionality and advanced TV operating systems make it super convenient to stream your favorite content at any time. It’s no wonder more people are cutting the cord and moving to streaming services. Although smart TVs are generally more expensive, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a 40 inch dumb TV.
6. What’s Your Budget?
The market is packed with premium TVs that cost thousands of dollars and have advanced features, like 4K resolution and OLED display. But you can easily find the cheapest 40 inch smart TV at an affordable price with a little bit of research. However, if you opt for a curved TV, expect to pay a little more.
Smaller-sized TVs are always less expensive than the larger models, and you’ll find 40-inch smart TVs fall in the range of $300 to $600. If there’s a sale, you can hope to pick one up for a little under $200. Make sure to do your research well, though, as it’s not uncommon to find one with 4K resolution for less than $300.
